THE MOLLY MALONE LEGEND

The legend of Molly Malone became very famous and a song about this story was created. As well as being known and sung internationally, the popular song 'Cockles and Mussels' has become a sort of unofficial anthem of Dublin city. The song's tragic heroine Molly Malone and her barrow have come to stand as one of the most familiar symbols of the capital.

The legend’s story took place in Dublin city 300 years ago, on a summer evening on 12 June 1699 to be precise. It was a small crowd gathered around a figure on the ground. The object of attention was a young woman, no longer of this world but with a strange look of peace on her ravaged features. The woman was Molly Malone, a fishmonger; she was accused of being a part-time hussy during the night. So God’s judgment killed her. But a man arrived and said that it wasn’t the right judgment but she had succumbed to a disease of venery and people should step back to not be contaminated by noxious vapors. We learnt that Molly had wheeled her wheel barrow from the Liberties to the more fashionable Grafton Street, crying 'Cockles and Mussels' as she went. Since at day she has haunted the city during the night.

 

 

                A statue of Molly Malone is in Grafton Street in Dublin.                            
She is also called « The Tart with the Cart ».

 

QUESTIONS:

1.      Where and when did the legend take place?

2.      What was Molly Malone accused of?

3.      What is the name of the song about this legend?

Tallut Mathilde and Krick Alexiane 2^nd1